Fulani Herdsmen Strikes Deal With Farmers In Enugu

Enugu state

Herdsmen clarified the fact that they were not in the state to terrorise host communities.

Fulani Herdsmen and farmers in Enugu have entered into an agreement that will ensure peaceful co-existence between both parties. The meeting was attended by leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Enugu State chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and other stakeholders. Southeast Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki said the gathering was strategic to foster peace. He said the meeting was to dispel insinuations that herdsmen were in the state to terrorise host communities.
Siddiki said, The essence of this meeting is to bring farmers and herders together for interaction so that we will know ourselves as well as dispel rumour that we are here to terrorise. In Siddik’s statement, “We are here to feed our cattle. This meeting will bring us together so that farmers will feel at home when they see cattle breeders. The cattle breeders will equally take members of their host communities as their brothers and sisters. Since most of the grazers migrate from one state to the other, we brought state chairmen here. The essence is to inform them that whenever something happens and it involves somebody that comes from another state, I will call the chairman to resolve it. The agreement is that we will promote peace between ourselves through this type of meeting, which will be held regularly.” The meeting was also attended by state chairmen of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in the region. AFAN’s Chairman Mr. Sunny Watarali said the meeting ushered in better understanding between the groups. Watarali also said, “host communities would not allow cows messed up their source of drinking water. The grey areas have been sorted out. Both parties are to respect each other; respect the culture. For example, you do not carry cows to urinate in the river. This is the source of drinking water. Again, if for any reason the cow does anything wrong, our people should be patient and report, rather than resorting to self-help. If we can do that, such mutuality will bring about better understanding and peace. Subsequent meeting will be held at local governments where farmers live. I believe if we do that, we will achieve peace.”Photo Credit: Getty

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